Hazard Mitigation Planning

Hazard mitigation is the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. It is most effective when implemented under a comprehensive, long-term mitigation plan. The county engages in hazard mitigation planning to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters, and develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage.

Perks of a Plan

Developing hazard mitigation plans enables the county to:

Increase education and awareness around threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities

Build partnerships for risk reduction involving government, organizations, businesses, and the public

Identify long-term, broadly-supported strategies for risk reduction

Align risk reduction with other community objectives

Identify implementation approaches that focus resources on the greatest risks and vulnerabilities

Communicate priorities to potential sources of funding

Moreover, a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan is a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. Ultimately, hazard mitigation planning enables action to reduce loss of life and property, lessening the impact of disasters.